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Frolow breathing-exercise device from www.atmosana.eu
- Question
- Is there a benefit known from the breathing-exercise device frolow from atmosana in case of CF?
- Answer
- Hello,
the device is not known to the executive committee of the working group physiotherapy of the Mukoviszidose e.V. (German patient organization).
After detailed research I can only say the following in my position as the head of the working group physiotherapy of the Mukoviszidose e.V.:
It seems to deal with a device made of plastic, in which one can fill water and also essential oils.
Expiration takes place against the resistance of the water and like this a PEP ("positive expiratory pressure") is generated. This positive expiratory pressure is already used in the CF-physiotherapy via devices like Flutter, Cornet or Pep-system. The Blow Bottel, the "bubbeling of water" seems to come most near to the breathing exercise device from Atmosana.
Also here the expiration is against the resistance of a water column, like this the airways stay wide and bronchial-collapse phenomenons are prevented, therefore "narrowing" of the airways is prevented. An advantage of the Blow Bottle is, that I myself can produce it of a material, which can be disinfected at sufficient temperatures.
The texture of the material of the Frolow breathing-exercise device and the question of cleaning remain open in the instructions I found. Therefore it does not seem suitable for CF patients solely for hygienic reasons.
Furthermore, there is the possible usage as a inspiratory-exercise device and the combination with essential oils.
In case the chemical breathing propulsion should be influenced by the dead-space ventilation, that is it should come via an increased partial pressure of C02 to deeper breathings, the device would not be suitable for CF patients, either. Afar from this, it can come to an allergic reaction via essential oils in case of patients with a tendency to allergic disposition. Studies with this device are not known to me.
The recommended duration of usage of 20-30 minutes can only be at the cost of an established sectretolytic and thorax-mobilizing therapy.
Birgit Dittmar
physiotherapist - 20.06.2011
